Supplied

Manqoba Dlamini, Regional Commissioner of the Mpumalanga Scout Region and CEO of the Green Prince Foundation demonstrates daily how young people can be stewards of the world we live in.

As a passionate advocate for wildlife protection and environmental stewardship, Manqoba adopted Tembo the elephant as a powerful way of teaching children and youth how their actions matter. Through Tembo, Scouts learn about the importance of protecting wildlife, respecting nature and taking responsibility for the environment. This hands-on connection helps them develop a sense of ownership and inspires them to become responsible custodians of nature; and live the Scout values of service, responsibility, respect and care for others.

Today, World Habitat Day, Manqoba shares why teaching environmental stewardship is vital for environmental sustainability.

Manqoba and Tembo, supplied

“Tembo reminds every Scout that protecting wildlife today means protecting our future. Teaching environmental stewardship to children at a young age helps Scouts develop a lifelong respect for nature and a sense of responsibility towards protecting the environment. Through Scouting, young people learn practical skills such as planting trees, conserving water, reducing waste, and protecting wildlife. These experiences nurture responsible, environmentally conscious leaders who understand that caring for the Earth is not just a duty, but a commitment to future generations. By teaching children to protect nature today, we empower them to become tomorrow’s environmental champions.

Teaching environmental stewardship from a young age is deeply aligned with the Scout Law and Promise, which encourage Scouts to serve others, respect creation, act responsibly, and leave the world better than they found it. It also develops a sense of ownership as they learn that their actions have an impact on the world around them. Scouting teaches us that a good Scout does not simply enjoy nature, they protect it. By nurturing environmental responsibility from childhood, we develop a generation of Scouts who will become responsible stewards, and leaders for the planet and future generations.”